US9779599B2 - Alarming smart magnetic tag - Google Patents

Alarming smart magnetic tag Download PDF

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Publication number
US9779599B2
US9779599B2 US15/178,110 US201615178110A US9779599B2 US 9779599 B2 US9779599 B2 US 9779599B2 US 201615178110 A US201615178110 A US 201615178110A US 9779599 B2 US9779599 B2 US 9779599B2
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Prior art keywords
security tag
alarm
halves
article
amlp
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US15/178,110
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US20160364968A1 (en
Inventor
Anthony Sharpy
Randy J. Zirk
Gilbert Fernandez
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Sensormatic Electronics LLC
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Tyco Fire and Security GmbH
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Priority to US15/178,110 priority Critical patent/US9779599B2/en
Assigned to TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH reassignment TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FERNANDEZ, GILBERT, ZIRK, RANDY J.
Assigned to TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH reassignment TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SHARPY, ANTHONY
Publication of US20160364968A1 publication Critical patent/US20160364968A1/en
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Assigned to Sensormatic Electronics, LLC reassignment Sensormatic Electronics, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
Assigned to Sensormatic Electronics, LLC reassignment Sensormatic Electronics, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2405—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used
    • G08B13/2414—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used using inductive tags
    • G08B13/242—Tag deactivation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2451—Specific applications combined with EAS
    • G08B13/246—Check out systems combined with EAS, e.g. price information stored on EAS tag

Definitions

  • This document relates generally to security tags used in Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) systems. More particularly, this document relates to security tags and methods for facilitating self-checkout.
  • EAS Electronic Article Surveillance
  • a typical EAS system in a retail setting may comprise a monitoring system and at least one security tag or marker attached to an article to be protected from unauthorized removal.
  • the monitoring system establishes a surveillance zone in which the presence of security tags and/or markers can be detected.
  • the surveillance zone is usually established at an access point for the controlled area (e.g., adjacent to a retail store entrance and/or exit). If an article enters the surveillance zone with an active security tag and/or marker, then an alarm may be triggered to indicate possible unauthorized removal thereof from the controlled area. In contrast, if an article is authorized for removal from the controlled area, then the security tag and/or marker thereof can be detached therefrom. Consequently, the article can be carried through the surveillance zone without being detected by the monitoring system and/or without triggering the alarm.
  • Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) systems may also be used in a retail setting for inventory management and related security applications.
  • a reader transmits a Radio Frequency (“RF”) carrier signal to an RFID device.
  • the RFID device responds to the carrier signal with a data signal encoded with information stored by the RFID device.
  • passive RFID labels are used in combination with EAS labels in retail applications.
  • security tags for security and/or inventory systems can be constructed in any number of configurations.
  • the desired configuration of the security tag is often dictated by the nature of the article to be protected.
  • EAS and/or RFID labels may be enclosed in a rigid tag housing, which can be secured to the monitored object (e.g., a piece of clothing in a retail store).
  • the rigid housing typically includes a removable pin which is inserted through the fabric and secured in place on the opposite side by a mechanism disposed within the rigid housing. The housing cannot be removed from the clothing without destroying the housing except by using a dedicated removal device.
  • a typical retail sales transaction occurs at a fixed Point Of Sale (“POS”) station manned by a store sales associate.
  • the store sales associate assists a customer with the checkout process by receiving payment for an item. If the item is associated with an EAS/RFID element, the store sales associate uses the dedicated removal device to remove the security tag from the purchased item.
  • POS Point Of Sale
  • a retail sales transaction can alternatively be performed using a mobile POS unit.
  • a mobile POS unit there is no convenient way to detach a security tag using a mobile POS unit.
  • Options include: the use of a mobile detacher unit in addition to a mobile POS unit; the use of a fixed detacher unit located within the retail store which reduces the mobility of the mobile POS unit; or the use of a fixed detacher unit located at an exit of a retail store which burdens customers with a post-POS task. None of these options is satisfactory for large scale mobile POS adaption in a retail industry.
  • the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for operating a security tag.
  • the methods involve wirelessly receiving at the security tag a signal sent from a remote device.
  • the signal may be sent from the remote device when a successful purchase of an article has occurred.
  • Alarm issuance is prevented when first and second Magnetic Attracting (“MA”) halves of the security tag are pulled apart by deactivating alarm circuitry internal to the security tag in response to the security tag's reception of the signal.
  • the first and second MA halves are able to be manually pulled apart by a user without assistance from a dedicated security tag detacher device.
  • an alert may be output indicating that: the alarm circuitry has been deactivated so that a user knows when to pull the first and second MA halves of the security tag apart without alarm issuance; and/or the security tag has not been decoupled from an article after the alarm circuitry's deactivation.
  • the alarm circuitry may be deactivated by ceasing a supply of power to the alarm circuitry.
  • the security tag may be coupled to the article by clamping the article between the first and second MA halves.
  • a switch e.g., a magnetic reed switch
  • the switch is opened by placing the first and second MA halves in proximity to each other.
  • Alarm issuance is caused by placing the first and second MA halves a certain distance apart whereby the switch is closed.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system that is useful for understanding the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary architecture for a security tag shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 3A-3C each provide a perspective view of an exemplary security tag.
  • FIG. 4 shows a security tag coupled to a piece of clothing.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for operating a security tag.
  • FIGS. 6A-6D (collectively referred to herein as “ FIG. 6 ”) provide a flow chart of another exemplary method for operating a security tag.
  • FIGS. 7-8 provide schematic illustrations of another exemplary architecture for a security tag.
  • the present disclosure concerns an Alarming Magnetic Loss Prevention (“AMLP”) tag, and revolves around the need for devices tailored to customer self-checkout.
  • a new design was developed to address a pyridine shift in securing merchandise that currently has no solutions and would enable works with self-pay, express lane, kiosk, mobile shopping applications and shopping websites.
  • the AMLP security tag allows a customer to make a secure purchase of an item through a Mobile Point Of Sale (“MPOS”) device and an online payment service (e.g., PayPal® or other cloud based online service).
  • RFID technology is incorporated in the AMLP security tag to facilitate the reading and deactivation of the AMLP security tag upon completion of a successful purchase transaction.
  • MA Magnetic Attracting
  • two Magnetic Attracting (“MA”) halves thereof can simply be pulled apart by the customer without tag alarming or setting of loss prevention systems at the exit.
  • an EAS Non-Deactivatable Label (“NDL”) disposed within the AMLP security tag alerts the customer and/or store personnel that the AMLP security tag is still attached to the article. This alert can occur prior to the customer's exiting of the store facility.
  • the AMLP security tag incorporates the following features: (1) attracting magnets located in the two MA halves thereof; (2) an RFID inlay; (3) an EAS NDL; (4) a magnetic read switch; (5) alarming/deactivation circuitry; (6) output devices (e.g., a piezoelectric buzzer and speaker, a light emitting diode, a display); (7) a power source (e.g., a battery); and (8) NFC circuitry/capability.
  • the AMLP tag solution is compatible with existing Acousto-Magnetic (“AM”) detection systems and RFID enabled inventory tracking systems. Also, a store associate is not required or needed for removing the security tag from the item. Additionally, the self-detaching solution facilitates MPOS applications because the need for a dedicated detacher device (i.e., one in which the security tag must be disposed for detaching the same from an item) has been eliminated.
  • AM Acousto-Magnetic
  • the present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for operating a security tag of an EAS system.
  • the methods involve: receiving a request to detach an AMLP security tag from an article; generating a signal including a command for deactivating alarming operations of an AMLP security tag; and wirelessly communicating the signal to the AMLP security tag for causing the deactivation of the alarming operations so that an alarm is not issued when the two MA halves of the AMLP security tag are pulled apart.
  • System 100 is generally configured to allow a customer to purchase an article 102 using a Mobile Communication Device (“MCD”) 104 and an optional Peripheral Device (“PD”) 190 thereof.
  • MCD Mobile Communication Device
  • PD 190 is designed to be mechanically attached to the MCD 104 .
  • PD 190 wraps around at least a portion of MCD 104 .
  • Communications between MCD 104 and PD 190 are achieved using a wireless Short Range Communication (“SRC”) technology, such as a Bluetooth technology.
  • SRC wireless Short Range Communication
  • PD 190 also employs other wireless SRC technologies to facilitate the purchase of article 102 .
  • the other wireless SRC technologies can include, but are not limited to, Near Field Communication (“NFC”) technology, InfraRed (“IR”) technology, Wireless Fidelity (“Wi-Fi”) technology, Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) technology, and/or ZigBee technology.
  • PD 190 may also employ barcode technology, electronic card reader technology, and Wireless Sensor Network (“WSN”) communications technology.
  • system 100 comprises a Retail Store Facility (“RSF”) 150 including an EAS system 130 .
  • the EAS system 130 comprises a monitoring system 134 and at least one AMLP security tag 132 .
  • the AMLP security tag 132 is attached to article 102 , thereby protecting the article 102 from an unauthorized removal from the RSF 150 .
  • the monitoring system 134 establishes a surveillance zone (not shown) within which the presence of the AMLP security tag 132 can be detected.
  • the surveillance zone is established at an access point (not shown) for the RSF 150 . If the AMLP security tag 132 is carried into the surveillance zone, then an alarm is triggered to indicate a possible unauthorized removal of article 102 from the RSF 150 .
  • a customer 140 may desire to purchase the article 102 .
  • the customer 140 can purchase the article 102 without using a traditional fixed POS station (e.g., a checkout counter). Instead, the purchase transaction can be achieved using MCD 104 and/or PD 190 .
  • MCD 104 e.g., a mobile phone or tablet computer
  • MCD 104 has a retail transaction application installed thereon that is configured to facilitate the purchase of article 102 and the management/control of PD 190 operations for an attachment/detachment of the AMLP security tag 132 to/from article 102 .
  • the retail transaction application can be a preinstalled application, an add-on application or a plug-in application.
  • the retail transaction application In order to initiate a purchase transaction, the retail transaction application is launched via a user-software interaction.
  • the retail transaction application facilitates the exchange of data between the article 102 , the AMLP security tag 132 , customer 140 , store associate 142 , and/or Retail Transaction System (“RTS”) 118 .
  • RTS Retail Transaction System
  • a user 140 , 142 is prompted to start a retail transaction process for purchasing the article 102 .
  • the retail transaction process can be started simply by performing a user software interaction, such as depressing a key on a keypad of the MCD 104 or touching a button on a touch screen display of the MCD 104 .
  • the user 140 , 142 may manually input into the retail transaction application article information.
  • the user 140 , 142 places the MCD 104 in proximity of article 102 .
  • the MCD 104 and/or PD 190 obtains article information from the article 102 .
  • the article information includes any information that is useful for purchasing the article 102 , such as an article identifier and an article purchase price.
  • the article information may even include an identifier of the AMLP security tag 132 attached thereto.
  • the article information can be communicated from the article 102 to the MCD 104 and/or PD 190 via a short range communication, such as a barcode communication 122 or an NFC 120 .
  • the article 102 has a barcode 128 attached to an exposed surface thereof.
  • the article 102 may comprise an NFC enabled device 126 . If the PD 190 obtains the article information, then it forwards it to MCD 104 via a wireless SRC, such as a Bluetooth communication.
  • a wireless SRC such as a Bluetooth communication.
  • the retail transaction session can involve: communicating the article information and payment information from MCD 104 to the RTS 118 via an RF communication 124 and public network 106 (e.g., the Internet); completing a purchase transaction by the RTS 118 ; and communicating a response message from the RTS 118 to MCD 104 indicating that the article 102 has been successfully or unsuccessfully purchased.
  • the purchase transaction can involve using an authorized payment system, such as a bank Automatic Clearing House (“ACH”) payment system, a credit/debit card authorization system, or a third party system (e.g., PayPal®, SolidTrust Pay® or ApplePay®).
  • ACH bank Automatic Clearing House
  • a third party system e.g., PayPal®, SolidTrust Pay® or ApplePay®.
  • the purchase transaction can be completed by the RTS 118 using the article information and payment information.
  • such information may be received by a computing device 108 of the RTS 118 and forwarded thereby to a sub-system of a private network 110 (e.g., an Intranet).
  • the article information and purchase information can also be forwarded to and processed by a purchase sub-system 112 to complete a purchase transaction.
  • a message is generated and sent to the MCD 104 indicating whether the article 102 has been successfully or unsuccessfully purchased.
  • a red LED would be activated prior to payment being authorized. Once authorized, a green LED would be activated.
  • the present invention is not limited to the particulars of this example.
  • a security tag detaching process can be started automatically by the RTS 118 or by the MCD 104 .
  • the user 140 , 142 can start the security tag detaching process by performing a user-software interaction using the MCD 104 .
  • the article information can optionally be forwarded to and processed by a lock release sub-system 114 to retrieve a detachment key or a detachment code that is useful for detaching the AMLP security tag 132 from the article 102 .
  • the detachment key or code is then sent from the RTS 118 to the MCD 104 such that the MCD 104 can perform or cause the PD 190 to perform tag detachment operations.
  • the tag detachment operations are generally configured to cause the AMLP security tag 132 to deactivate alarm operations thereof.
  • the MCD or PD generates an alarm deactivation command and sends a wireless alarm deactivation signal including the alarm deactivation command to the AMLP security tag 132 .
  • the AMLP security tag 132 authenticates the alarm deactivation command and deactivates its alarming operations.
  • the two MA halves of the AMLP security tag can be pulled apart without issuance of the security tag's internal alarm.
  • the AMLP security tag 132 can include more or less components than that shown in FIG. 2 . However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment implementing the present invention. Some or all of the components of the AMLP security tag 132 can be implemented in hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware and software.
  • the hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits.
  • the hardware architecture of FIG. 2 represents an embodiment of a representative AMLP security tag 132 configured to facilitate the prevention of an unauthorized removal of an article (e.g., article 102 of FIG. 1 ) from an RSF (e.g., RSF 150 of FIG. 1 ).
  • the AMLP security tag 132 may have a barcode 138 affixed thereto for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., PD 190 of FIG. 1 ) via barcode technology.
  • the AMLP security tag 132 also comprises an antenna 202 and an NFC enabled device 136 for allowing data to be exchanged with the external device via NFC technology.
  • the antenna 202 is configured to receive NFC signals from the external device and transmit NFC signals generated by the NFC enabled device 136 .
  • the NFC enabled device 136 comprises an NFC transceiver 204 .
  • NFC transceivers are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. However, it should be understood that the NFC transceiver 204 processes received NFC signals to extract information therein.
  • This information can include, but is not limited to, a request for certain information (e.g., a unique identifier 210 ), and/or a message including information specifying a detachment key or code for detaching the AMLP security tag 132 from an article.
  • the NFC transceiver 204 may pass the extracted information to the controller 206 .
  • the controller 206 may perform operations to retrieve a unique identifier 210 and/or article information 214 from memory 208 .
  • the article information 214 can include a unique identifier of an article and/or a purchase price of the article.
  • the retrieved information is then sent from the AMLP security tag 132 to a requesting external device (e.g., PD 190 of FIG. 1 ) via an NFC communication.
  • the controller 206 may perform operations to simply deactivate said alarming operations using the one-time-only key.
  • the controller 206 can: parse the information from a received message; retrieve a deactivation key/code 212 from memory 208 ; and compare the parsed information to the deactivation key/code to determine if a match exists therebetween. If a match exists, then the controller 206 generates and sends a command to alarm circuitry 264 for deactivating operations thereof.
  • the alarming circuitry 264 can include, but is not limited to, a magnetic reed switch and a piezoelectric buzzer/speaker.
  • An auditory or visual indication can be output by output device(s) 262 of the AMLP security tag 132 when the alarming operations are deactivated. If a match does not exist, then the controller 206 may generate a response message indicating that detachment key/code specified in the extracted information does not match the detachment key/code 212 stored in memory 208 . The response message may then be sent from the AMLP security tag 132 to a requesting external device (e.g., PD 190 of FIG. 1 ) via a wireless short-range communication or a wired communication via interface 260 . A message may also be communicated to another external device or network node via interface 260 .
  • a requesting external device e.g., PD 190 of FIG. 1
  • a message may also be communicated to another external device or network node via interface 260 .
  • the connections between components 204 , 206 , 208 , 216 , 260 , 262 , 264 are unsecure connections or secure connections.
  • unsecure connection refers to a connection in which cryptography and/or tamper-proof measures are not employed.
  • secure connection refers to a connection in which cryptography and/or tamper-proof measures are employed. Such tamper-proof measures include enclosing the physical electrical link between two components in a tamper-proof enclosure.
  • the memory 208 may be a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory.
  • the memory 208 can include, but is not limited to, a Random Access Memory (“RAM”), a Dynamic Random Access Memory (“DRAM”), a Static Random Access Memory (“SRAM”), a Read-Only Memory (“ROM”) and a flash memory.
  • the memory 208 may also comprise unsecure memory and/or secure memory.
  • unsecure memory refers to memory configured to store data in a plain text form.
  • secure memory refers to memory configured to store data in an encrypted form and/or memory having or being disposed in a secure or tamper-proof enclosure.
  • the components 204 - 208 , 260 - 264 and a battery 220 may be collectively referred to herein as the NFC enabled device 136 .
  • the NFC enabled device 136 can be incorporated into a device which also houses the magnets 216 , or can be a separate device.
  • the NFC enabled device 136 is coupled to a power source.
  • the power source may include, but is not limited to, battery 220 or an A/C power connection (not shown).
  • the NFC enabled device 136 is configured as a passive device which derives power from an RF signal inductively coupled thereto.
  • the battery 220 can be inductively recharged or thru a USB type connector. Techniques for inductively recharging power sources are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known inductive charging technique can be used herein without limitation.
  • AMLP security tag 132 is the same as or similar to AMLP security tag 300 . As such, the following discussion of AMLP security tag 300 is sufficient for understanding various features of AMLP security tag 132 .
  • the AMLP security tag 300 comprises a hard EAS tag formed of two MA halves 302 , 312 .
  • the two MA halves 302 , 312 can be the same or substantially similar.
  • both MA halves 302 , 312 may comprise a magnet 324 and other circuitry 340 .
  • Circuitry 340 may comprise a Printed Circuit Board (“PCB”).
  • PCB Printed Circuit Board
  • the circuitry 340 is integrally formed with the MA halves' housing. The integration of circuitry 340 with the housing can provide a security tag with a relatively smaller overall form factor.
  • Circuitry 340 may include an antenna (e.g., antenna 202 of FIG. 2 ) and NFC enabled device (e.g., NFC enabled device 136 of FIG. 2 ).
  • the NFC enabled device may be entirely contained in only one MA half, such as MA half 302 .
  • MA half 302 additionally also comprises a battery 322 , a magnetic reed switch 326 and a light emitting diode 310 .
  • a portion of the NFC enabled device is contained in each half 302 and 312 .
  • the magnet and/or NFC enabled device is disposed within an enclosure 320 .
  • An EAS and/or RFID element 328 may be housed within the enclosure 320 .
  • the EAS element may include, but is not limited to, an NDL.
  • an RFID and barcode codes 350 is printed or coupled to an exposed surface of the enclosure 320 .
  • the enclosure 320 is defined by first and second housing portions 304 , 306 that are securely coupled to each other (e.g., via an adhesive, an ultrasonic weld and/or mechanical couplers 308 such as screws).
  • the magnets 324 allow the AMLP security tag 300 to be coupled to at least a portion of an article (e.g., article 102 of FIG. 1 ), as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the coupling is achieved by clamping the article between the two MA halves 302 , 312 .
  • an internal alarm (not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C ) will issue when the two MA halves 302 , 312 are pulled apart.
  • the magnetic reed switch 326 is normally closed so as to form a closed alarming circuit.
  • the magnetic reed switch 326 is actuated to an open position so as to form an open alarming circuit when the two MA halves 302 , 312 are placed in proximity to each other.
  • an internal alarm of the security tag is issued.
  • the internal alarm can be deactivated when a successful purchase transaction of the article has been verified.
  • a light emitting diode 310 is provided to indicate when the alarm is activated and when the alarm is deactivated. For example, when the light emitting diode 310 is red, the alarm is activated. In contrast, when the light emitting diode 310 is green, the alarm is deactivated.
  • FIGS. 7-8 Another exemplary architecture for a security tag is shown in FIGS. 7-8 .
  • a lanyard 700 is provided to couple the first and second MA halves 702 , 704 together.
  • the lanyard 700 is configured to supply power from the first MA half 702 to the second MA half 704 for powering circuitry disposed therein, or vice versa.
  • the security tag can have an alarming feature for indicating if and when the lanyard has been tampered with (such as cut) by an unauthorized person.
  • At least one of the MA halves 702 , 704 may also have a depression and/or ridge (not shown) formed thereon to facilitate the pulling apart thereof.
  • the depression and/or ridge can have any shape selected in accordance with a particular application.
  • the depression has a semi-circular cross-sectional profile.
  • the ridge has a rectangular cross-sectional profile. The present invention is not limited to the particulars of this example.
  • the first MA half 702 has apertures (not shown) and/or a transparent surface 800 for enabling visual alerts to be provided to a user of the security tag.
  • the visual alerts may be implemented by LEDs.
  • a speaker grill 802 is also formed in the first MA half 702 .
  • the location of the visual alert mechanism 800 and/or speaker grill 802 on the first MA half 702 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 7-8 .
  • Method 500 begins with step 502 and continues with step 504 where an AMLP security tag (e.g., security tag 132 of FIG. 1 or 300 of FIG. 3 ) is attached to an article (e.g., article 102 of FIG. 1 ).
  • an AMLP security tag e.g., security tag 132 of FIG. 1 or 300 of FIG. 3
  • This step involves clamping the article between two MA halves of the AMLP security tag.
  • alarming operations of the AMLP security tag can be activated as shown by step 505 .
  • a decision step 506 is performed to determine if a purchase transaction has been successfully performed. If the purchase transaction was not successful [ 506 :NO], then method 500 repeats step 506 . In contrast, if the purchase transaction was successful [ 506 :YES], then step 508 is performed where a security tag alarm deactivating process is automatically begun by an MCD (e.g., MCD 104 of FIG. 1 ), a PD (e.g., PD 190 of FIG. 1 ), an RTS (e.g., RTS 118 of FIG. 1 ) or in response to a user-software interaction with the MCD, PD or RTS.
  • MCD e.g., MCD 104 of FIG. 1
  • a PD e.g., PD 190 of FIG. 1
  • RTS e.g., RTS 118 of FIG. 1
  • the security tag alarm deactivating process involves the operations performed in steps 510 - 520 .
  • These steps involve: generating and sending a signal to the AMLP security tag which includes an alarm deactivate (or deactivation) command for deactivating alarm issuance in response to the pulling apart of the two MA halves of the AMLP security tag; wirelessly receiving the signal at the AMLP security tag; and authenticating the alarm deactivate command at the AMLP security tag.
  • step 518 is performed where the MCD, PD, RTS and/or user is(are) notified that the alarm deactivation command was not authenticated by the AMLP security tag. Subsequently, method 500 returns to step 510 .
  • step 520 the alarming operations of the AMLP security tag are deactivated as shown by step 520 .
  • Such deactivation can be achieved simply by discontinuing the supply of power to alarm circuitry (e.g., alarm circuitry 264 of FIG. 2 ).
  • step 522 is performed where method 500 ends or other processing is performed.
  • FIG. 6 there is provided a flow chart of another exemplary method 600 for operating an AMLP security tag (e.g., AMLP security tag 132 of FIG. 1 or 300 of FIG. 3 ).
  • Method 600 begins with step 602 .
  • user authentication operations and/or function enablement operations may be performed prior to step 602 .
  • a user of an MCD e.g., MCD 104 of FIG. 1
  • MCD may be authenticated, and therefore one or more retail-transaction operations of the MCD may be enabled based on the clearance level of the user and/or the location to the MCD within an RSF (e.g., RSF 150 of FIG. 1 ).
  • RSF e.g., RSF 150 of FIG. 1
  • the location of the MCD can be determined using GPS information.
  • a “heart beat” signal may be used to enable the retail-transaction operation(s) of the MCD and/or PD (e.g., PD 190 of FIG. 1 ).
  • the “heart beat” signal may be communicated directly to the MCD or indirectly to the MCD via the PD.
  • step 604 a customer (e.g., customer 140 of FIG. 1 ) enters the RSF and accumulates one or more articles (e.g., article 102 of FIG. 1 ) to purchase.
  • the customer may then ask a store associate (e.g., store associate 142 of FIG. 1 ) to assist in the purchase of the accumulated articles.
  • a store associate e.g., store associate 142 of FIG. 1
  • This may be performed when the customer 140 does not have an MCD (e.g., MCD 104 of FIG. 1 ) with a retail transaction application installed thereon and/or a PD (e.g., peripheral device 190 of FIG. 1 ) coupled thereto. If the customer is in possession of such an MCD, then the customer would not need the assistance from a store associate for completing a purchase transaction and/or detaching AMLP security tags from the articles, as shown by steps 606 - 614 .
  • MCD e.g., MCD 104 of FIG. 1
  • next step 606 the customer performs user-software interactions with the MCD and/or PD so as to cause a retail transaction application installed on the MCD to be executed.
  • the customer uses the MCD and/or PD to scan each article for tendering, as shown by step 608 .
  • the scanning can be achieved using a barcode scanner, an RFID scanner, an NFC tag scanner, or any other short-range communication means of the MCD and/or PD.
  • the customer may enter voice commands in order to confirm each article (s)he desires to purchase.
  • the payment information is input into the retail transaction application of the MCD, as shown by step 610 .
  • the payment information can include, but is not limited to, a customer loyalty code, payment card information, and/or payment account information.
  • the payment information can be input manually using an input device of MCD or PD, via an electronic card reader (e.g., a magnetic strip card reader) of MCD or PD, and/or via a barcode reader of the MCD or PD.
  • a decision step 612 is performed to determine if a purchase transaction has been completed.
  • the purchase transaction can be completed using a web-based payment service (e.g., using PayPal®, ApplePay® or other cloud based online service).
  • the determination of step 612 is made by the web-based payment service system based on information received from the MCD and/or an RTS (e.g., RTS 118 of FIG. 1 ). If the purchase transaction is not completed [ 612 :NO], then method 600 returns to step 612 . If the purchase transaction is completed [ 612 :YES], then method 600 continues with step 614 .
  • the web-based payment service system generates and sends a purchase token to the MCD.
  • the purchase token may also be communicated from the web-based payment service system and/or MCD to each security tag attached to a purchased item.
  • the purchase token stored in a memory device of a security tag can be used later to (1) assist in determining why a failure occurred in relation to the security tag's detachment from the article and/or (2) whether a recently found security tag was removed from a purchased item or a stolen item. The manner in which (1) and (2) are resolved will be discussed below in detail.
  • the MCD communicates the purchase token and unique identifiers of each purchased product from the MCD to a server (e.g., server 108 of FIG. 1 ) located at a corporate facility (e.g., corporate facility 152 of FIG. 1 ) via secure communications link, as shown by step 616 .
  • a server e.g., server 108 of FIG. 1
  • the server performs operations to verify the purchase token using the web-based payment service. If the purchase token is not verified [ 620 :NO], then method 600 returns to step 610 . If the purchase token is verified [ 620 :YES], then method 600 continues with step 622 of FIG. 6B .
  • step 622 involves generating and sending a signal from the server located in the corporate facility to a server (e.g., server 192 of FIG. 1 ) located in an RSF (e.g., RSF 150 of FIG. 1 ).
  • the signal includes a command for initiating a security tag alarm deactivation process.
  • This signal is forwarded to a gateway (e.g., gateway 194 of FIG. 1 ), coordinator or sub-coordinator, as shown by step 624 .
  • a wireless signal is generated which includes an alarm deactivation command for deactivating alarm issuance when two MA halves of the AMLP security tag are pulled apart, as shown by step 626 .
  • the wireless signal is then sent to the AMLP security tag(s).
  • the AMLP security tag After reception of the wireless signal in step 630 , the AMLP security tag authenticates the alarm deactivation command. If the alarm deactivation command is not authenticated [ 632 :NO], then optional step 634 is performed where the MCD, PD, RTS and/or user is(are) notified that the alarm deactivation command was not authenticated by the security tag. Subsequently, method 600 returns to step 626 . If the alarm deactivation command is authenticated [ 632 :YES], then the alarm is deactivated as shown by step 636 . Such activation can be achieved simply by ceasing the supply of power to the alarm circuitry (e.g., alarm circuitry 264 of FIG. 2 ) of the AMLP security tag.
  • the alarm circuitry e.g., alarm circuitry 264 of FIG. 2
  • step 638 determines if the alarm had been deactivated. If the alarm has been deactivated [ 638 :YES], then method 600 continues with step 640 .
  • step 640 the AMLP security tag is removed from the article that has been successfully purchased. The removed AMLP security tag may be placed in a collection bin for later use or other location in the RSF (e.g., a dressing room), as shown by step 642 .
  • step 644 of FIG. 6C in which a determination is made as to whether or not the AMLP security tag was placed in the collection bin.
  • step 646 is performed where method 600 ends or other processing is performed.
  • steps 648 - 650 are performed. These steps involve: finding the AMLP security tag (e.g., in a dressing room); and wirelessly communicating with the AMLP security tag to obtain the purchase token and/or article information therefrom. The purchase token and/or article information is then used to determine whether the AMLP security tag was attached to a purchased article. If the AMLP security tag was attached to a purchased item [ 652 :YES], then step 654 is performed where method 600 ends or other processing is performed.
  • steps 656 - 658 are performed. These steps involve: using the article information to identify the article to which the AMLP security tag was attached; optionally performing actions to report a stolen article; and optionally taking remedial measures. Subsequently, step 660 is performed where method 600 ends or other processing is performed.
  • step 662 - 670 of FIG. 6D involve: wirelessly communicating with the AMLP security tag to obtain the purchase token and/or article information therefrom; and using the purchase token and/or article information to determine whether the AMLP security tag is associated with a successful purchase of the article to which it is attached. If the AMLP security tag is not associated with a successful purchase of the article to which it is attached [ 666 :NO], then step 668 is performed where method 600 returns to step 610 for re-performing the purchase transaction in relation to this particular article.
  • step 672 is performed where method 600 ends or other processing is performed.

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  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
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  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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US11755874B2 (en) 2021-03-03 2023-09-12 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Methods and systems for heat applied sensor tag
US11769026B2 (en) 2019-11-27 2023-09-26 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Flexible water-resistant sensor tag
US11861440B2 (en) 2019-09-18 2024-01-02 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Systems and methods for providing tags adapted to be incorporated with or in items
US11869324B2 (en) 2021-12-23 2024-01-09 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Securing a security tag into an article
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US11861440B2 (en) 2019-09-18 2024-01-02 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Systems and methods for providing tags adapted to be incorporated with or in items
US11928538B2 (en) 2019-09-18 2024-03-12 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Systems and methods for laser tuning and attaching RFID tags to products
US11769026B2 (en) 2019-11-27 2023-09-26 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Flexible water-resistant sensor tag
US11755874B2 (en) 2021-03-03 2023-09-12 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Methods and systems for heat applied sensor tag
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EP3308366B1 (fr) 2019-08-28
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US20160364968A1 (en) 2016-12-15
EP3308366A1 (fr) 2018-04-18

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